Innovative spirit and product diversity are the
hallmarks of Worcester's industrial legacy.

Worcester emerged as a center of manufacturing more
than 150 years ago. From the start, local investors encouraged small-scale
experimentation and innovation. As a result, Worcester served as an incubator
for many industries. Even today, it remains unsurpassed among mid-sized cities
in America in the variety of goods produced.

The rural town of Worcester grew into a bustling
industrial city where people of many cultures and backgrounds jostled for
their place. Great fortunes were made, and the gap between rich and poor widened.
Over time, the pace of change accelerated and the ways to make a living multiplied.